Totalizing counter system



April 18, 1967 H. GREENWALD 3,314,515

TOTALIZING COUNTER SYSTEM Filed sept. v', 1966 asheets-sheet 1 f1 2 HARRY GREENWALD ATTORNEY.

APril 18 1967 H. GREENWALD 3,314,515

TOTALIZING COUNTER SYSTEM Filed Sept. 7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR HARRY GREENWALD ATTORNEY.

April 18, 1967 HGREENWALD 3,314,515

TOTALIZING COUNTER SYSTEM FiledSept. '7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 L D M w mm E s EN@ H mm 5mt Bumm lm H m9 Nx mm nw: ..-LN mmm Y m9 S1 uw@ mv l L mm; mm@ Q91 @mi mom .--||iT!.?.H. @m ,BvP L v9 @9 im 9 Q@ @Eux @E m@ u i BY jwwwaw ATTORNEY.

United States Patent O 3,314,515 TOTALIZING CUNTER SYSTEM Harry Greenwald, Whitestone, N.Y., assignor of onethird to Louis Wolfi and one-third to Harry Silberglait, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Filed Sept. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 577,788 Claims. (Cl. 194-2) This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Serial No. 429,242 filed on February 1, 1965 now Patent Number 3,269,504, entitled Totalizing Counter System.

'I'his invention relates to improvements in totalizing counter systems.

The present invention is particularly suited for controlling the operation of an associated coin-operating vending machine by totalizing the amount of money deposited in the machine and actuating the machine to vend an article when a preselected amount of money is so deposited.

A conventional totalizing counter system, as used to totalize credit in a coin-operated vending machine, usually comprises a main gear or credit wheel which is caused to rotate upon the insertion of coins into the mechanism. The angle through which the gear rotates is proportional to the denomination of the coin inserted into the machine so that the total angular rotation of the gear or credit wheel is an indication of the amount of money which has been deposited in the counter. A mechanical means or interlinkage is provided so that the associated vending machine will be operate-d after the wheel has rotated through a preselected angle which corresponds to the amount of money required to cause the machine to vend an article. However, this type of system is severely limited in its use since the device can be said to operate at one value only. When it is desired to operate the associated vending machine when another amount of money has been deposited, the mechanical interlinkage must be readjusted. While some types of counter systems are operable to actuate an associated ven-ding machine at a number of different money totals to cause the dispensing of dilerently priced articles fof merchandise, these systems have been found to be unduly complicated in structure and diflicult to service.

Accordingly, the desideratum of the present invention is to provide a totalizing counter system which is adapted to operate an associated vending machine at a plurality of different money totals to dispense differently priced objects of merchandise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a totalizing counter system in which the money totals .at which the counter is operable to operate the associated vending machine may be changed easily simply by reconnecting a preselected lead.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a totalizing counter system which is economical to produce and simple to service.

In furtherance of the above objects, the totalizing counter system of the present invention includes a frame having a totalizing gear rotatably mounted thereon. The totalizing gear or credit wheel is normally in a preselected first position. Driving means are provided which are responsive to the insertion of coins of different denominations for rotating the credit wheel or totalizing gear through an angle which is proportional to the value of the coin inserted. A wiper arm is xedly connected to the totalizing gear and is rotatable therewith. A plurality of contacts are positioned to be sequentially gauged by the wiper arm as the credit wheel rotates in response to the insertion of coins into the machine. Vent means is provided and is operable to actuate the associated vending machine to vend a desired article. Different preselected ones of the plurality of contacts are adapted tro be connected with the vending means through respective selector switches. A source of potential is adapted to be connected across the vending means through a circuit which includes the wiper arm, the contacts and the selector switches.

In operation, rone of the respective selector switches is closed and the desired amount of money is inserted into the machine. Accordingly, the credit wheel begins to rotate whereupon the wiper arm sequentially engages the contacts. When the wiper arm engages that contact associated with the closed selector switch, the vending means is actuated to cause the associated vending machine to dispense the desired article Iof merchandise. However, an interlock is provided to prevent the vending action from taking place until the credit wheel is returned to the lirst position. Accordingly, when the vending means is operated, a motor is simultaneously operated to return the credit wheel lor gear back to the first position. Thus, when the credit wheel is returned to the `first position the vending machine permits the article to be dispensed.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the .following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a totalizing counter system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional View thereof taken along the line 2 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 3 3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the wiper arm and associated contact portions of the totalizing counter system shown in FIG. 1, to an enlarged scale; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit wiring diagram of the totalizing counter system constructed according to the present invention.

The totalizing counter system of the present invention is designated ygener-ally by the numeral 10 in the figures and includes a base plate or frame 12. A shaft 14 is rotatably received in an approximately centrally located through bore l16 in the frame 12 and extends upwardly thereform. Collars 18 and 20 are aixed to the shaft 14 in any conventional manner, as by set screws (not shown), and are adapted to abut the lower and upper surfaces of the frame 12 to maintain the shaft 14 in place. A totalizing gear 22 receives the shaft 14 through an axially through bore l24. The gear 22 is provided with a collar 26 which similarly receives the shaft 14 through an axially through bore and which is provided with a radially extending set screw 28 that is adapted to frictionally engage the shaft 14 to maintain the gear 22 in position on the shaft 14.

Gear 22 is provided with teeth 30 about its periphery which are in meshing engagement with respective pinions 32, 34, 36 and 38. The pinions are circumferentially spaced from one another with the axis lof each pinion lying on a circle coaxial with gear 22. Each pinion has a respective driving mechanism 40 operatively associated therewith; however, since each driving mechanism is substantially similar only one such mechanism will be described in detail, it being understood that the other y direction only. The output shaft 44 projects upwardly through an aperture 46 in the frame 12 and is free to rotate therein.

A shaft 48 having an integral outwardly extending peripheral flange 50` at the bottom thereof is fixedly mounted on the shaft 44 above the frame 12 by a pin 52 which extends through appropriate aligned apertures in the flange 50 and the shaft 44 in a relatively tight t. Hence, the shaft 48 is constrained to rotate with the shaft 44. The pinion 36 is provided with a central bore 54 which rotatably receives the shaft `48 therethrough with the pinion 36 resting on the upper face of the iiange 50. The lpinion 36 is further provided with an `upwardly projecting central hub S6 for ,the purposes noted below.

A drive counter wheel 58 receives shaft 48 through an axial through bore 60. The counter wheel 58 is provided with lan upwardly projecting central hub 62 and a downwardly projecting central hub 64, .the bottom edge of which rests on the upper edge of the hub 56. A pin .66 extends through suitably aligned apertures in the hub 62 and the shaft 48 to fixedly connect wheel 58 and shaft 48 together so wheel 58 rotates with the shaft 48.

A spring 68 surrounds hubs 64 and 56 and is connected to hub 64 at 70. Spring 68 serves as a one-way clutch to transmit driving -motion to pinion 36. Thus, when the motor 42 is energized the shaft 48 rotates thereby causing the wheel 58 to rotate and tighten the spring 68 against hubs 64 and 56. Hence, this rotational movement is transmitted Vto the pinion 36 thereby to rotate the totalizing gear 22. However, when the pinion 36 is rotated as, for example, when one of the other pinions drives the totalizing gear 22, the spring will remain loosely wrapped around the respective hubs 64 and 56 because there is no direct connection between the pinion 36 and the spring 468 and no movement will be transmitted to the wheel 58.

A coin limit switch, designated generally by the numeral 72, is located adjacent the driving mechanism 40 and it is `supported on the frame 12 by a depending foot 74 which is connected to the frame 12 in any-conventional manner (not shown). The coin limit switch 72 controls the duration of energization of the associated motor 42 in the manner noted below.

A lever 76 extends outwardly from the switch 72 and overlies the .wheel S8. As shown in FIG. ,1, the wheel 58 is provided with two diametrically opposed upstanding pins 78 adjacent the peripheray of the wheel positioned to engage the lever 76 during the rotation of the wheel 58. The lever 76 is connected to an armature 72A of the switch 72. The armature 72A is biased by means (not shown) to be in contact with a terminal 72B. However, when a pin 78 engages and pulls the lever 76, the armature 72A is moved to a contact 72C, for the reasons noted below.

In practice, each of the pinions 32-38 may have the same number of teeth, such as fifty teeth, while the totalizing gear 22 may have 100 teeth. It is emphasized that the number of teeth specified in the preceding sentence is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Moreover, each pinion 32-3'8 isv adapted to rotate 'the totalizing gear 11 through different angles; the angle of rotation being proportional to the value of the coin deposited inthe associated vending machine.

Thus, the driving mechanism 40 associated with the pinion 36 is adapted to be actuated when a quarter is deposited in the associated machine and will rotate onehalf of a revolution before one of the pins 78 engages the lever 76 to deenergize the motor 42 in a manner indicated below. This action will cause the totalizing gear 22 to advance through an arc equal to the spacing of 25 teeth.

On the other hand, the driving wheel 58A associated with the pinion 38 may be provided with five circumferentially equal spaced pins'78A which are adapte-d to engage a lever 80 of an associated coin limit switch 82 so that the pinion 38 will only malte 1/5 of a revolution each time its associated motor 42A is operated. In this application the gear 22 will be advanced ten teeth in response to the deposit of a dime.

In a like manner, drive `counter wheel 58B, which is associated with the pinion 34 and lwhich is adapted to rotate when a nickel is inserted in the associated vending machine, is provided with ten circumferentially equally spaced pins 78B which are adapted to engage a lever 84 of an associated coin limit switch 86. Accordingly, the pinion 34 will make 1/10 of a revolution each time its associated motor 42B (not shown) is operated. Thus, the totalizing gear 22 will be advanced through an arc equal to the spacing of ve teeth when a nickel is deposited.

Drive counter wheel 58C is associated with the pinion 32 and it is provided with fty teeth 78C about its periphery which is engagea-ble with a lever 88 of an associated coin limit switch 90. Accordingly, the pinion 32 is adapted to be operated in response to the deposit of a one cent coin or penny to advance the totalizing gear 22 through an arc equal to the spacing of one tooth.

It willnow be obvious that the angle that the totalizing gear 22 rotates through due to actuation of anyone of the pinions 32-38 will be directly proportional 1to the value of the coin which is deposited inthe associated machine. Moreover, the rotation of the gear 22 with :respect to the totalizing of the values of the coins deposited will be in one cent increments thereby permitting multiple accumulation of any coinage deposit.

The frame 12 mounts a terminal 4board 92 (FIGS. 1 and 4). The terminal board 92 overlies the totalizing gear 22 and is spaced therefrom by spacers 94 which are located at each corner of the board. Screws 96 extend through the boardr92 and the spacers 94 and are threadedly engaged in tapped holes in the frame 12 (not shown) to :maintain .the board 92 in place. The sha-ft 14 extends through an axial 98 in the board 92 and is freely rotatable therein. The board 92 is fabricated from an insulated material such as a phenolic plastic. Y

Connected to the under side of the board `92, by any conventional means, is a commutator plate 100. The commutator plate 100 is centrally located on the board 92 and is provided with an axial bore 102 ,which receives the shaft 14 therethrough. The diameter of the bore 102 is substantially in excess of .the diameter of the shaft 14 so that the shaft' 14 does not contactV the commutator plate 100. Y

Spaced from the commutator plate 16@ and lying on a circle which 4is coaxial with the circular commutator plate 168 are a plurality of upstanding terminals 104. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminals 184 extend through the phenolic terminal board 92 and are provided with an enlarged head portion 194A. The terminals 104 are equal in number to the number of teeth on the totalizing gear 22 for reasons which will become obvious from a consideration of the operation of the present invention, as set -forth hereinbelow.

A phenolic Wiper arm 166, which includes a collar portion 168, is received on the shaft 14 between the terminal board 92 and the totalizing gear 22 and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Y The collar 108 threadedly receives a radially extendingV set screw 110 therein which is adapted to abut the shaft 14 to maintain the wiper arm 106 in place. Fixedly received on the arm 166 is a contact strip 112 having upstanding curved contacts 114 and 116 at each end of the strip. The contacts 114 and 116 are positioned so that the contact 114 is always maintained in contact with the commutator plate 100 and the contact 116 sequentially engages the heads 104A of the terminal 104 as the shaft 14 rotates (FIG. 2).

Provided in the board 92 and the commutator plate 180 are respective aligned apertures 118 and 12d. Fixedly Vreceived in the aperture 120 and extending through the aperture 118 is a terminal 122 which is adapted to be connected to one terminal of a source of potential (not shown) by a lead 124 (FIG. 4). Preselected ones of the terminals 104 are adapted to be connected to a vend control circuit, designated generally by the numeral 126 in FIG. 5, by contacts 128 and leads 130. The contacts 188 are adapted to receive the terminals 104 in sliding engagement therewith so that the contacts 128 and the terminals 184 will be electrically connected together. It will now be obvious that as the wiper arrn 186 is advanced in response to a rotation of the totalizing gear 22, the terminals 1134 will be sequentially connected with one terminal of the source of potential through the circuit comprising the lead 124, the commutator plate 100 and the contact strip 112. Thus, each terminal 104 may be thought of as representing a particular value of money, that is if a five cent piece is deposited in the machine, the totalizing gear will advance tive teeth thereby rotating the shaft 14 and causing the contact strip 112 on the wiper arm 106 to advance live terminals 184. Thus, the fifth terminal 164 from the rest position of the wiper arm 106 may be thought of as representing iive cents. lf the fifth terminal 104 is connected to the vend control circuit 126 through a contact 128 and associated lead 130, the vend control circuit will accordingly be connected to one terminal of the source of potential through the aforenoted contact strip 112 and commutator plate 180. A similar operation will occur for any amount of money deposited in the machine. That is, if a dime is deposited in the machine the totalizing gear will advance through ten teeth thereby causing the wiper arm 106 to similarly advance through ten terminals 184 to connect the tenth terminal to the source of potential. Accordingly, if the tenth terminal is connected with the vend control circuit 126, the vend control circuit will be operated in the manner noted below. Hence, simply by connecting preselected ones of the terminals 104 to the vend control circuit 126, the associated vending machine may be made to operate when any preselected amount of money is deposited in the machine. Moreover, the values of money deposited at which the associated vending machine may be made to operate may be changed simply by reconnecting the desired terminal 104 corresponding to that amount of money deposited to the vend control circuit 126. Additionally, the machine may be made to operate at a plurality of different values of money deposited simply by connecting the desired ones of the terminals 104 corresponding to those values of money to the vend control circuit 126 thereby to permit the vending machine to vend articles having different prices.

The wiring diagram of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 and includes the vend control circuit 126 noted hereinabove and a totalizer drive circuit, designated generally by the numeral 132. The coin receiving portion of the system (i.e., that portion which channels the particular denomination coin deposited to the associated coin-operated switch) will not be shown in detail here since the structural arrangement of these devices are well known in the art.

One terminal of the source of potential 134 is connected to the armature 90A of the coin limit switch 90 by a lead 136. The other terminal of the source 134 is grounded. Armature 98A is normally connected to contact 90B of the switch 98; the contact 98B is connected to normally open switch 138A of a relay 138. Contact 98C of the coin limit switch 90 is connected to normally closed switch 138B of the relay 138. The other terminal of the switch 138A is connected to one side of the winding of the relay 138 by a lead 140; the other contact of the switch 138B is connected to one terminal of the one-cent drive motor 42C by a lead 142. The other terminal of the motor 42C is connected to a ground lead 144. A lead 146 connects the armature 90A of the switch 90 to the lead 142 through a normally open switch 138C. The switches 138A-138C are controlled by the relay 138. Accordingly, when the winding of the relay 138 is energized the switches 138A and C close and the switch 138B opens.

The armature 148A of a one-cent coin switch 148 is connected to the energized lead 136. The coin switch y 148 `is conventional and operates to momentarily move the armature 148A to a contact 148B when a one-cent coin is deposited. The contact 148B of the switch 148 is connected to the lead 148. A contact 148C of the switch 148 is connected to the armature 150A of a livecent coin switch 150 by a lead 152.

Contact 150B of the switch 150 is connected to one side of the winding of a relay 154 by a lead 156. The other side of the winding of the relay 154 is connected to the ground lead 144. Contact 150C of the switch 150 is connected to the armature 150A of a ten-cent coin switch 158 by a lead 160.

Armature 86A of the coin limit switch 86 is connected to the energized lead 136. The armature 86A normally engages contact 86B of the switch 86; the contact 86B is connected to the lead 154 through a normally open switch 156A. Contact 86C of the switch 86 -is connected to one terminal of the live-cent motor 42B through a normally closed switch 156B. The armature 86A of the switch 86 is also connected -to the same terminal of the motor 42B, through a normally open switch 156C by a lead 162. The other terminal of the motor 42B is connected to the ground lead 144. The switches 156A-156C are controlled by the relay 156.

The armature 158A of the ten-cent coin switch 158 normally engages contact 158B. Contact 158B is connected to the armature 164A of a twenty-fve cent coin switch 164 by a lead 166. Contact 158C of the switch 158 is connected to one end of the winding of a relay 168 by a lead 170; the other side of the winding of the relay 168 being connected to the ground lead 144.

Armature 82A of the coin limit switch 82 is connected to the energized lead 136. Armature 82A normally engages contact 82B which is connected to the lead 170 through a normally opened switch 168A. Contact 82C of the switch 82 is connected to one terminal of the tencent drive motor 42A through a normally closed switch 168B. The armature 82A of the switch 82 is similarly connected to the same terminal of the ten-cent drive motor 42A through a normally openswitch 168C by a lead 172. The other terminal of the motor 42A is connected to the ground lead 144. The relay 168 controls the operation of the switches 168A-168C.

The armature 164A of the twenty-tive cent coin switch 164 normally engages contact 164B. The contact 164B is connected to one side of a reject coil 174 through a normally close-d switch 176A. The contact 164C of the switch 164 is connected to one side of a relay winding 178 by a lead 180. The other side of the winding of the relay 178 is connected to the ground lead 144.

Armature 72A of the twenty-tive cent coin limit switch 7.2 is connected to the energized lead 136. Contact '72B of the switch 72 is connected to the lead 180 through a normally open switch 178A. Contact 72C of the switch 72 is connected to one terminal of the twenty-tive cent :drive motor 42 through a normally closed switch 178B. The armature 72A of the switch 72 is similarly connected to the same terminal of the drive motor 42 through a normally open switch 178C by a lead 182. The other terminal of the motor 42 is connected to the ground lead 144. The relay 178 controls the operation of the switches 178A-178C. The lead 166 is also connected to the energized lead 136 by a lead 186.

The operation of the totalizer drive circuit 1312 thus-far disclosed will now be described. Initially, the totalizing gear 22 resides in a zero position. This position of the gear 22 corresponds to a position of the wiper arm 106 in which the contact strip 112 connects the commutator plate with that terminal 104 which is connected to the winding of a relay 184 lby a lead 188. To put this another way, when the totalizing gear 22 is in the zero position, the relay 184 will be energized through the circuit comprising source 134, leads 136 and 124, commutator plate 100 (not shown in FIG. 5), contact strip 112, terminal 104, lead 188, and a lead 191i` which connects the other side of the winding of the relay 184 with the ground lead 144. Moreover, the reject coil 174 will be energized through the circuit comprising the source of potential 134, leads 136 and 186, switches 164 and 176A, through the reject coil 174 to the ground lead 144 which is connected to the other end of the reject coil. When the reject coil 174 is energized the associated vending machine is operable to accept coins. However, when the reject coil 174 is deenergized, in the manner noted below, the associated vending machine will reject coins which are insert-ed therein and return the same to the operator.

A plurality of switches 19'2-198 are serially connected between the source 134 and the ground lead 144 by leads 136, 124, a lead 201i, and a vend completed switch 2012. The switches 19-2-198 are conventional in coin-operated vending machines and are respectively adapted to be operated when a different one of the coin switches 148, 150, 158 and 164 is operated. That is, when a one-cent coin is inserted into the machine, the armature 148A of the switch 148 will engage contact 148B. Simultaneously, the switch 192 will engage that contact connected to a lead 204. The lead 2114 is connected to one end of a brake solenoid 2116; the other end of which is connected to the ground lead 144. 0n the other hand, if a twentyfive cent coin is deposited in the machine, the switch 164 will be operated. Simultaneously therewith, the switch 1% will similarly be operated to engage that contact connected to the lead 204. Hence, the insertion of a coin will energize the brake solenoid 296. The brake solenoid 2116 controls a brake (not shown) which is applied to the shaft 14 to prevent the rotation of the shaft 14. When the brake solenoid 206 is energized, the brake is removed from the shaft 14 thereby allowing it to rotateV freely. This brake is provided to prevent the over-rotation of the totalizing gear 22 due to its inertia after the driving force has ibeen removed.

If it is assumed that a. tive-cent coin is deposited, the lfol-lowing operation will talte place. Five-cent coin switch 150 will be operated and the armature 150A momentarily breaks contact with contact 150C and makes contact with `contact 150B thereby breaking the circuit connection to reject coil 174 and deenergizing the reject coil to prevent further coins from operating the machine until the totalizing ygear 22 has been rotated an amount proportional to the deposited coin.

It should be noted that had another coin been inserted, instead of the tive-cent piece, the coin switch responsive to that particular coin would have been operated and the reject coil 178 would simularly have been deenergized since source 134 is connected to the solenoid 178` through the respective serially connected coin switches.

Relay 156 will be energized by the source 134 through the series circuit comprising the lead 136, the switch 148, switch 150l and lead 154 and ground lead 144. Accordingly, the energized relay 156 will cause switches 156A and 156C to close and the switch 156B to open. Thus, while the movement of the armature 150A to contact 150B is momentary and the armature moves back to contacty 159C almost immediately, a holding circuit is established about the relay 156 to maintain the relay energized. That is, the relay 156 will remain energized through the circuit comprising the energized lead 136, coin limit switch 86 and the lead 154, through the winding of the relay 156 to the ground lead 144. Moreover, the five-cent drive motor 42B is energized through the circuit comprising the energized lead 136, the lead 162, the now closed switch 156C, through the motor 42B to the ground lead 144.

The tive-cent drive motor 42B rotates the drive counter wheel 58B through an associated spring 63B which serves as the one-way clutch. Pinion 34 rotates until pin 78B on the wheel 58B engages lever S4 of the ve-cent coin limit switch S6 to move armature 86A from contact 86B to contact 86C. Hence, the relay holding circuit which d formerly included armature 86A and contact 86B of the switch S6 will be broken thereby to deenergize the relay 156. Accordingly, contacts 156A and 156C will open and contact 156B will close. However, motor 42B will remain energized through the circuit including energized lead 136, switches 86 and 156B, through the motor 42B to the ground lead 144. Moreover, the motor 42B will remain energized until the pin 78B moves out of contact with the lever 84 thereby to permit the armature 86A of the switch 86 to again engage contact 86B. At this point the circuit which included the contact 86C of the switch S6 will be broken thereby deenergizing the motor 42B. Since ten pins 78B are provided on the wheel 58B and the gear ratio between the totalizing gear 22 and the pinion 34 is 2:1; the pinion 34 will have rotated 1/10 of a revolution thereby rotating the totalizing gear 22 j/20 of a revolution or through an angle which is proportional to the amount of money deposited. For the example chosen, this will mean that the totalizing gear 22 has rotated through an angle proportional to the tive-cent coin. At the end of the rotation of the gear 22, the switches will be in the position shown in FIG. 5 by reestablishing the circuit through the reject coil 174 thereby to energize the reject coil. Additionally, the brake solenoid 206 will be deenergized thereby to apply the brake to the shaft 14.

The vend control circuit 126 includes the winding of the relay 184 noted above which is connected to that terminal 1114 which is engaged by the contact strip 112 when the totalizing gear 22 is in the zero position. The next adjacent terminal v1114 corresponding to an advance of the totalizer gear in response to the insertion of one cent is connected to switch 2118A of a double-pole singlethrow switch 2133A, 268B. The connection between switch portions 2118A and 268B is indicated by Ithe broken line 293. Similarly, the fifth terminal 104 corresponding to :an advance of the totalizer gear 22 in response to the deposit of iive cents is connected to switch portion 210A of a double-pole single-throw switch 210A, 210B. The broken line 21@ indicates that switch portions 2111A and 219B are operated simultaneously. Switch 263A is connected to the winding oi the relay 176 by a lead 212. Switch 2111A is connected to the lead 212 by a lead 214. It is to be noted that if other ones of the terminals 1114 were adapted to be connected in the vend control circuit so that the vending machine could be operated when other values of coins are inserted into the machine, then corresponding double-pole single-throw switches would be connected to those terminals 104 and through one portion of these switches to the lead 212.

The other side of the relay 176 is connected to the ground lead 144 through a vend complete switch V202. Connected in parallel with the winding ofthe relay 176 is a selector switch lock coil 214. The energizedV lead 124, which is connected to the source 134 through tlhe lead 136, is also connected to the lead 212 through a normally open switch 176B which is controlled by the relay winding 176. The switch 268B is similarly connected to the lead 212 through a normally open switch 184A, which is controlled by the relay 184. Similarly, the switch portion 21GB is connected to the lead 212 through the normally open switch 184A. The-switch portions 203B and 215B are associated with the selector switches on the vend-l ing machine. Accordingly, and as noted in greater detail hereinbelow, when one of the switches ZSB or 216B is closed, the selector switch lock coil 214 is energized to prevent the closure of the other switch. Accordingly, only one selector switch can be operated during a vending cycle` It is to be understood that the closure of the switch 208B or 216B is accompanied by the closure of the corresponding switch portion 2118A or 2111A.

The switches 208B and 210B rare connected to the associated vending machine by respective leads 213 and 220. When either of the leads 218 or 229 is energized, the machine operates to vend an article. The switch 202 is located in the path of the vended article. Accordingly, when a vend operation takes place, the switch 202 will be operated by the falling article thereby to open the switch.

Also connected to the energized lead 200 is a homing motor 216 through a normally closed switch 184B and a normally open switch 176C. The relay 184 controls the operation of the switches 184A and 184B and is operable to close the switch 184A and open the switch 184B when the winding of the -relay 184 is energized. Similarly, the relay 176 controls the operation of the switches 176A- 176C and is operable to open the switch 176A and close the switches 176B and 176C when the relay winding 176 is energized. The other terminal of the motor 216 is connected to the ground lead 144.

The operation of the vend control circuit 126 is as follows. It is assumed that the operator of t-he machine wishes to purchase a ve cent article. Accordingly, the operator depresses the corresponding selector switch on the vending machine thereby to close the switch port-ions 210A and 210B. He thereafter deposits the ve-cents in the vending machine thus causing the totalizer gear 22 to rotate through an angle corresponding to the deposit of the iive cents, in the manner noted above. The wiper arm 106 moves concomitantly with the totalizing gear 22 so that the contact strip 112 sequentially engages the contacts 104. After the totalizing gear has advanced tive teeth it will stop, as noted hereinabove. At this point the contact strip 112 is engaged with the fifth terminal 104 thereby to connect the energized lead 124 with the relay winding 176 through the switch portion 210A, leads 214 and 212, through the relay winding 176 and the switch 202 to the ground lead 144. The energized relay 176 thereby closes the switches 176B and 176C and opens the switch 176A. Accordingly, the reject coil 174 will be deenergized thereby to prevent the operation of the machine in response to any coins which may be deposited before the present vending cycle is completed. Additionally, a holding circuit will be established about the relay winding 176 through the energized leads 124 and 200 and the switch 176B. The selector switch lock coil 214 will also be energized through the same circuit to the ground lead 144 through the switch 202 thereby to render the remaining selector switches inoperative. The source of potential 134 will be connected across the homing motor 216 through the circuit comprising the leads 136, 124 and 200, switch 184B and the switch 176C, through the homing motor to the ground lead 144. The homing motor is perable to rotate the totalizing gear 22 back to its zero position. While the motor 216 is not shown in FIG. 2, it is to be understood that the motor may be connected to the under side ofthe yframe and the output shaft of the motor connected directly to the shaft 214.

As the homing motor 216 rotates the totalizing gear 22 back to its zero position the wiper arm 106 will correspondingly rotate with the gear 22 until the contact strip 112 again contacts the terminal 104 that is connected to Ithe lead 188. It should be noted at this point that the relay winding 17 6 will remain energized through the aforementioned holding circuit.

When the contact strip 112 engages the terminal 104 associated with the relay 184, the winding of the relay 184 will -be energized through the circuit comprising the energized lead 124, lead 188, through lthe winding of the relay 184 and the lead 190 to the ground lead 144. Thus, contact 184A will close and contact 184B will open. When contact 184B opens the homing motor 216 is deenergized thereby stopping rotation of the totalizer gear 22 so that the totalizing gear remains in the zero position. Addit-ionally, the lead 220 will be energized through the circuit comprising the energized lead 200, switches 176B, 184A and 210B. Thus, a vend will take place and the associated vending machine will dispense an article associated with the selector switch which has been operated.

When the article is dispensed, the switch 202 is operated thereby breaking the circuit between the relay Winding 176 and the ground lead 144. Thus, the relay windl0 ing 176 will be deenergized thereby permitting switches 176B and 176C to open and switch 176A to close. This operation will deenergize the selector switch lock coil 214 thereby permitting any one of the selector switches to again be operated. Moreover, the reject coil 174 will again be energized through 4the switch 176A so that additional coins may be deposited in the associated vending machine. Hence, Ithe machine is automatically reset for another vending operation.

Accordingly, -a totalizing counter system has been provided which is adapted to operate an associated vending machine at a plurality of different money totals to dispense diierently priced objects of merchandise. Addiltionally, in the present system the money totals at which the counter is operable to act-uate the associated vending machine may be easily changed.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described herein, it will he obvious that numrous omissions, changes and additions may be made in such emobdiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. v

What is claimed is:

1. A totalizing counter system for use with an associated vending machine comprising a frame,

a totalizing gear rotatably mounted on said lframe,

said totalizing gear normally being in a first position,

-drive means responsive to the insertion of coins of different denominations for rotating said totalizing gear through an angle proportional to the value of the coin inserted,

a lirst contact rotatable with said totalizing gear,

a plurality of second contacts sequentially engageable with said rst contact during a rotation of said totalizer gear,

vend means being operable when said totalizing gear is in said rst position for lconnecting a lirst terminal with a second terminal,

line means for connecting the associated vending ma chine with said lirst terminal,

switch means responsive to the engagement of said rst contact with at least a preselected one of said plurality of second contacts to connect said second terminal with a source of energy,

whereby the operation of said vend means connects the' source of energy to the associated vending machine through said line rneans to actuate the vending machine to dispense an article.

2. A totalizer counter system as in claim 1,

'and return means responsive to the operation of said switch means for returning said totalizing gear tio the first position.

3. A totalizer counter system as in claim 2,

and means responsive to the position of said totalizing gear for disabling said return means when the totalizing is in said rst position.

4. A totalizer counter system as in claim 1,

wherein said switch means includes electro-mechanical means for connecting a source of energy with said second terminal,

connecting means for connecting said preselected second contact with said electro-mechanical means,

and lead means for connecting said first contact with a source of energy,

whereby said electro-mechanical means is energized when said rst `Contact engages said preselected second contact.

5. A totalizing counter system as in claim 1,

in which said switch means is responsive tio the engagement of said first contact with predetermined ones of said plurality of second contacts to connect said second terminal with a source of energy,

a plurality of line means connected between said rst terminal and the vending machine,

each of said plurality of line means including a serially connected selector switch for disconnecting an associated vending machine with said first terminal.

6. A totalizing counter system as in claim 5,

in which said switch means includes electro-mechanical means for connecting a source of energy with said second terminal,

connecting means `for connecting each of said predetermined ones of said second contacts with said electromechanical means,

lead means for connecting said iirst contact to a source of energy,

each of said connecting means including a connector switch operable concomitantly with a respective selector switch for connecting said electro-mechanical means with one of said plurality of second contacts when an associated one of said selector switches is operated.

7. A totalizer system as in claim 6,

and lock-out means responsive to the operation of said switch means for preventing the operation of the other of the plurality of selector switches after said one of said selector switches has been operated.

S. A totalizer counter system as in claim 1,

and brake means Afor preventing rotation of said totalizer gear,

`and disabling means responsive to the insertion of a coin for disabling said brake means to permit movement of said totalizing gear.

9. A totalizer counter system as in claim 1,

and means responsive to the operation of the associated vending machine for deenergizing said switch means. 10. The method of totalizing coins deposited in a vending machine and actuating the vending machine When a preselected amount of money has been deposited comprising moving a Vgear from a rst position in incremental amounts in proportion to the Value of the coins deposited in the machine,

moving a rst contact concomitantly with the movement of said gear,

sequentially engaging a plurality of second contacts with .said rst contact as said gear is moved from said rst position,

providing -a switch between a source of energy and the lassociated vending machine,

connecting said source of energy with said switch when said first contact engages a preselected one of said second contacts,

returning said gear to said rst position,

and closing said switch to connect the source of energy with the associated vending machine to actuate the vending machine when said gear is returned to the rst position,

References Cited by the Examiner VUNITED STATES PATENTS ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

3 s. H. TOLLBERG, Amami Examiner. 

1. A TOTALIZING COUNTER SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AN ASSOCIATED VENDING MACHINE COMPRISING A FRAME, A TOTALIZING GEAR ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME, SAID TOTALIZING GEAR NORMALLY BEING IN A FIRST POSITION, DRIVE MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE INSERTION OF COINS OF DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS FOR ROTATING SAID TOTALIZING GEAR THROUGH AN ANGLE PROPORTIONAL TO THE VALUE OF THE COIN INSERTED, A FIRST CONTACT ROTATABLE WITH SAID TOTALIZING GEAR, A PLURALITY OF SECOND CONTACTS SEQUENTIALLY ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID FIRST CONTACT DURING A ROTATION OF SAID TOTALIZER GEAR, VEND MEANS BEING OPERABLE WHEN SAID TOTALIZING GEAR IS IN SAID FIRST POSITION FOR CONNECTING A FIRST TERMINAL WITH A SECOND TERMINAL, LINE MEANS FOR CONNECTING THE ASSOCIATED VENDING MACHINE WITH SAID FIRST TERMINAL, SWITCH MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE ENGAGEMENT OF SAID FIRST CONTACT WITH AT LEAST A PRESELECTED ONE OF SAID PLURALITY OF SECOND CONTACTS TO CONNECT SAID SECOND TERMINAL WITH A SOURCE OF ENERGY, WHEREBY THE OPERATION OF SAID VEND MEANS CONNECTS THE SOURCE OF ENERGY TO THE ASSOCIATED VENDING MACHINE THROUGH SAID LINE MEANS TO ACTUATE THE VENDING MACHINE TO DISPENSE AN ARTICLE. 